Benefits of Exercise for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes stress to the heart by repeatedly interrupting sleep at night when breathing stops. The sleep disorder can lead to a host of other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, dry mouth upon waking, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The team at Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins wants to inform you about OSA and exercise. To find out if you’re at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, click here to take our sleep quiz.
OSA treatment supplemented with a fitness plan can help manage your condition. When exercise is introduced to a sedentary patient diagnosed with OSA, positive effects can occur when physical activity becomes a consistent part of their treatment plan.
- Patients may experience a gradual improvement in sleeping with fewer apnea episodes at night and spend more time in deep sleep. More restful sleep can help improve memory and learning ability.
- Being overweight is a well-known risk factor for OSA. Previous studies have shown that you can achieve an improvement in your condition by losing as little as 10 percent of your body weight. You can still benefit from exercise even if you don’t lose weight.
- Exercise may decrease daytime sleepiness and fatigue and help facilitate sharper thinking. Some people can function better, improve concentration, and perform tasks for a longer time.
As part of your OSA treatment plan, exercise can be beneficial in helping to fighting against the effects of sleep apnea. Also, it has tremendous benefits for many of the conditions linked to OSA. Exercise may improve your quality of life and overall health. Please consult your physician before starting an exercise program.
We want to help you live your life in optimal health. OSA is a serious condition that requires treatment for the best outcome. If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA and want to discuss your treatment options or if you or someone you know is at risk of OSA, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Denton, Maryland, and the surrounding areas.